Woking MP calls for urgent action as GP waits hit record highs

Local Liberal Democrat MP Will Forster has called for an “emergency package” to save local GP services, after shocking new figures revealed record-long waits for appointments in Surrey Heartlands. 

Since January, 205,411 appointments in the area have had waits of more than 28 days, up from 95,298 five years ago – a 116% increase. 

The number of patients waiting more than two weeks has also soared by 110%, from 119,853 in 2020 to 503,412 this year. 

Will Forster said the figures show the GP crisis is spiralling out of control and that both the Conservatives and Labour have failed to get to grips with it. 

“Patients in Woking are finding it harder than ever to get a GP appointment. It’s completely unacceptable that people are waiting weeks just to see their family doctor. 

The Conservatives let this crisis deepen, and now Labour are failing to provide real solutions. We need urgent action to rescue local GP services.” 

The Liberal Democrats are calling for an emergency plan to ensure everyone can see a GP within seven days, or 24 hours if urgent. 

Proposals include reopening local surgeries, creating a 24/7 GP booking system through NHS 111 to end the “8am scramble”, and a major recruitment drive for family doctors. 

Nationally, the number of people waiting more than 14 days for a GP appointment has risen by 50% since 2020, while those waiting over 28 days have increased by 67%, according to research by the House of Commons Library. 

“People deserve the right to see their GP quickly and locally. No one should be left worrying for weeks about their health because they can’t get an appointment,” Will added.